Obituary of Myrtle Whitaker

The world became a better place on January 6, 1928, when proud parents George P. Wyse and Arena Lomax Wyse welcomed their beautiful baby girl whom they named Myrtle Faye. She was the third of five children who were raised and schooled in the Bethlehem community. She accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized. Myrtle married J.W. Whitaker on June 11, 1947, and this union was blessed with 9 children. This couple raised their family to love the Lord; one another; work hard; get an education; and share with others. Mr. Whitaker passed in 1984, after 37 years of marriage. Myrtle prayerfully tightened her reins and continued to provide Godly leadership to the family. Myrtle loved the Lord with all of her heart. She loved going to church, encouraging preachers, and serving where there was a need. She was a shining example of love and concern, a strong woman of faith, a consistent prayer warrior, and a dedicated Christian servant. She hailed as a dedicated member of the Mt. Zion Baptist Church for over 80 years! She was affectionately and appropriately recognized as the "Mother of the Church." During several Mother's Day services she was recognized as the oldest mother present. She was the Avon saleslady in the community and the lady who passed out peppermints in the church. There was no one with a bigger heart than Myrtle. She modeled Christ in every aspect of her life. The one thing you were not allowed to do was visit Myrtle without "putting something in her hands"…and if you know Myrtle Whitaker, you know exactly what that means. Her unique love for people extended far beyond her immediate family. She had a way of making her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, and everybody else's children feel like they were her favorites. Her nurturing manner and kind handling of children (and adults) earned her the title of "Momma" to many over her lifespan in the close-knit community. Myrtle was preceded in death by two brothers and two sisters. She leaves in God's care seven sons: James Edward (Linda) of Missouri City, TX; Ronald (Vickie) of Texarkana, TX; Gerry (Betty) of Houston, TX; Ricky of Richmond, TX; Kenneth of Houston, TX; Greg (Torrie) of Pearland, TX; and Claude Whitaker of Missouri City, TX; three daughters: Gwendolyn Williams of Los Angeles, California, and Marilyn and Barbara Whitaker, both of DeKalb, TX. Surviving siblings include 1 sister, Diana Hurd; and 1 brother, Eddie Easter; sisters-in-law Bertha Wyse Neal, Myrt Lee Whitaker, and Edessa Hill. Extended family members include a special son, Jamal Shabazz of Missouri City, TX and a special daughter, Kathy Ervin Johnson of Tulsa, OK. She will be greatly missed by her 31 grandchildren; 44 great grandchildren; 10 great-great grandchildren; nieces; nephews; a host of cousins; and loving friends, Sarah Boyce and Artlean Traylor. Unfortunately space does not allow for the listing of every blood relative, family connection or countless others who were the beneficiaries of the light and love that Myrtle provided. The relationship that she shared with her devoted grandson Broderick (BJ), and attentive granddaughters Ramia (Ty) and Rilee must be mentioned as they were the direct recipients of the daily interaction and discipline from their "Granny." God divinely assigned Marilyn ("Ainnee") to care for "Mother Whitaker." Along with unfailing help from BJ, Ty and Barbara, an amazing job of "around the clock care" was constantly provided. Because of their reciprocating love, each one of the "Whitaker Boys" always discharged their duties of care, concern and provision, along with her "favorite" nephew, Paul Taylor. "When God gets ready for me; I'm ready for Him"…this was the phrase Myrtle would often say as her health began to spiral downward. She also impressed upon those who would listen, that "God doesn't make any mistakes." On the morning of Tuesday, February 17, 2015, Myrtle's spirit was received into the bosom of her Heavenly Father as her life assignment had been completed. God was ready…and she was too!